The Ontario Building Code | Group B, Division 2 or Division 3, 1 Storey, Sprinklered
3.2.2.41. Group B, Division 2 or Division 3, 1 Storey, Sprinklered
(1) A building classified as Group B, Division 2 or Division 3 is permitted to be of combustible construction or noncombustible constructionused singly or in combination, provided,
(a) except as permitted by Sentence 3.2.2.7.(1), the building is sprinklered,
(b) it is not more than 1 storey in building height, and
(c) it has a building area not more than 500 m2.
In Plain Language
This clause permits a Group B, Division 2 or 3 building (care, or care-and-treatment occupancies) to be built of combustible or noncombustible construction, provided it's sprinklered (with one narrow exception), is no more than 1 storey in building height, and has a building area no greater than 500 m².
Common Questions
Q: Does a care facility always need to be noncombustible construction?
Not necessarily. This clause allows combustible construction for a 1-storey Group B, Division 2 or 3 building up to 500 m² in area, as long as it's sprinklered.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.